When it comes to your lines, many a sailors will suggest you go with quality over price when it comes to your lines onboard. This is because a good marine line has less stretch and lasts much longer.

Why do we want lines that don’t stretch? Whatever length you set your line to, whether it’s a  halyard or sheet, you want the length to remain the same. Here are two examples: When a halyard stretches, you sail slips down and gets baggy in the luff of the sail. If your sheet stretches the sail will be eased, and you will lose power.

Why do more expensive lines last longer? They are manufactured with higher quality materials, a tighter weave, and usually have proprietary coating. This produces a line that is stronger, more chafe resistant and able to last years in the sun.

Here's a few tips to keep your lines in good working order!

1.)  Tie your lines away from the mast or attach the working ends to  your bow pulpit when not in use. This will prevent them from slapping against your mast which bothers your dock mates and causes unnecessary chafing.

2.) Make sure to rinse all lines and halyards with freshwater as much as possible. Even if they don't saltwater on them, salt from the air will penetrate into the weave causing them to stiffen up and break down the fibers prematurely. You can even soak them in a bucket full of fresh water with a little bit of fabric softener.

3.) If your jib or genoa is on a furler, loosen the halyard when you get back to the dock. The teeth on your clutch can chafe through the cover on your halyards if left really tight.

Be sure to tighten the halyard against before unfurling the sail, or you may get a wrap at the top of your forestay!

With decades of experience at Beacon, we're here to help you find what you need. From anchor packages to match your vessel, to splicing or custom line, we've got every kind of line you'll want on your boat.